Why UM-Flint

The Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and Information Systems program offers concentrations in Computer Science or Information Systems, as well as a preparatory Fast Track for those without a computer science background. It prepares you to enter and excel in a career as an administrator, analyst, designer, developer, or programmer leading technology teams.

Flexible Format

Whether you live far from campus, or close by, the MS in Computer Science and Information Systems is designed to accommodate your life and goals. The Cyber Classroom allows you to tailor your learning experience. Take advantage of the convenience of remote online learning, the face-to-face interaction of the classroom, or a combination of both. Our approach redefines the traditional classroom experience with a seamless blending of in-class and online learning.

the cyber classroom

Become immersed in the lectures captured in our unique cyber classroom experience through an advanced robotic audio-video recording system. The system processes multiple cameras, microphones, and digital input devices such as digital white boards and document cameras with an intelligent autonomous recording system to capture everything with clarity. As an online student, you’ll be able to interact with the faculty through our BlackBoard® online content management system. You will also have the capability to utilize the playback on demand feature, allowing you to watch the lectures as
many times as necessary to grasp concepts.

student testimonial

Listen to what one of our students has to say about the program:

concentration options

Computer Science concentration – This rigorous program is designed to provide you with in-depth, state-of-the-art knowledge of critical computer related technologies. Coursework immerses students in multiple disciplines of computer science including algorithms, architecture, artificial intelligence, databases, and networking.

Information Systems concentration – This innovative program offers two tracks: Business Information Systems and Health Information Systems. Choose the track that supports your professional goals and interests to gain specialized training necessary for your career field. Those pursuing the Business Information Systems track may supplement technology courses with business courses including Accounting, Business Economics, Entrepreneurship, Global Management, and Quantitative Analysis. Those completing the Health Information Systems track maybe complete additional courses in Financial Management, Healthcare Administration and Policy, and Legal Issues to customize your learning experience.

dual degrees

Students in the dual degree program have the option to complete two degrees: a Master of Science (MS) in Computer Science and Information Systems with a concentration in Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in Computer Information Systems. More information for the degree is available here.

real-world experience

You’ll be able to apply the knowledge you gain in the classroom and research to technology at UM-Flint through meaningful technology projects with real-world applications. The program’s focus on team-based project work allows you to build the collaborative skills needed to be an effective team member and leader.

fast track option

Available for students without an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field, this option typically consists of five courses focused on the core competencies of Networking, Architecture, Algorithms, and Databases. Those who possess an undergraduate degree in a liberal arts or business field may be required to take some additional math and programming courses. All of the Fast Track pre-requisite courses are taught in the cyber-classroom format.

thesis or non-thesis track

Whichever concentration you select, you then get to choose between a thesis track or non-thesis track. The thesis track requires students to write a research paper and conduct an oral defense in addition to the required coursework. Student completing the non-thesis track complete additional credits in elective graduate-level courses and achieve satisfactory performance on the Master’s level exit examination. (View Our Top 50 Downloaded Thesis Papers)

RESULTS

The program has been graduating roughly fifty students per year. We have also had a number of students go on for their PhDs at leading regional institutions, including: Michigan State University, Wayne State University, Purdue University and Oakland University.

Opportunities to apply classroom learning, research, and new technology abound at UM-Flint. One recent example saw Computer Science faculty and students join forces with those from the Department of Nursing to create an educational video game to help nursing students learn how to deliver congruent care to patients of diverse cultural backgrounds.

Courses

Prerequisites

A. Mathematics

MTH 118 - Calculus for Management and Social Sciences (4)

B. Programming

A minimum of eight (8) credits of programming courses. Students may be required to take a programming proficiency test and, based on its score, take 3 credits of:

Requirements, Computer Science Concentration

The Computer Science concentration consists of 30 credits. Students are limited to a maximum of 9 credits in fall and winter semesters and 6 credits in spring and summer semesters amongst all of these course designations.

A. Core Courses (12 credits)

CSC 535 - Advanced Computer Networking (3)

CSC 565 - Computer System Architecture (3)

CSC 575 - Algorithm and Complexity Analysis (3)

CSC 582 - Advanced Database Concepts and Emerging Applications (3)

B. Additional CSC/CIS Courses (12 credits)

Four additional 500-level CSC or CIS courses, with a minimum of 6 credits in CSC courses.

C. Option of Choice (6 credits)

One of the following options:

Thesis Option

Six additional credits in thesis research, consisting of a research project with a final thesis paper and an oral defense. Note: No independent study courses are allowed toward program requirements under the thesis option.

CSC 595 - Master's Thesis I (3)

CSC 596 - Master's Thesis II (3)

Non-Thesis Option

Six additional credits in elective graduate-level CSC courses and satisfactory performance on the Master’s level exit examination. Note: At most one independent study course is allowed toward program requirements under the non-thesis option.

Requirements, Information Systems Concentration

The Information Systems concentration requires a total of 30 credits consisting of a blend of computer science, information systems, and management or health profession courses. Students are limited to a maximum of 9 credits in fall and winter semesters and 6 credits in spring and summer semesters amongst all of these course designations.

A. Core Courses (6 credits)

Two from:

CSC 535 - Advanced Computer Networking (3)

CSC 580 - Advanced Software Engineering (3)

CSC 582 - Advanced Database Concepts and Emerging Applications (3)

B. Additional CSC/CIS Courses (9 credits)

Three additional CIS and/or CSC courses at the 500 level, excluding:

CIS 510 - Information Systems (3)

CIS 555 - Health Informatics (3)

C. Track of Choice (9 credits)

One of the following tracks:

Business Information Systems Track

CIS 510 - Information Systems (3)

Two additional courses from:

ACC 521 - Accounting for Managers (3)

FIN 551 - Business Economics (3)

INB 585 - Global Dimensions of Management (3)

EIM 545 - Innovation Management/Entrepreneurship (3)

SCM 512 - Applied Quantitative Analysis (3)

SCM 571 - Operations Management (3)

Health Information Systems Track

CIS 555 - Health Informatics (3)

Two additional courses from:

PHS 501 - Public Health Administration and Policy (3)

HCR 509 - Healthcare Strategic Planning (3)

HCR 577 - Financial Management in Health Care (3)

HCR 587 - Legal Issues in Health Care (3)

D. Option of Choice (6 credits)

One of the following options:

Thesis Option

Six additional credits in thesis research, consisting of a research project with a final thesis paper and an oral defense. Note: No independent study courses are allowed toward program requirements under the thesis option.

CIS 595 - Master's Thesis I (3)

CIS 596 - Master's Thesis II (3)

Non-Thesis Option

Six additional credits in elective graduate-level CSC and CIS courses, excluding below, and satisfactory performance on the Master’s level exit examination. Note: At most one independent study course is allowed toward program requirements under the non-thesis option.

CIS 510 - Information Systems (3)

Transfer of Credit

With approval of the CSIS Graduate Committee, students may transfer in, or elect as a graduate non-candidate for degree (NCFD), up to six credits of graduate-level courses in computer science and information systems.

Additional information on the Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems including course descriptions can be found in the catalog.

Admission

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree from a regionally accredited institution in Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, or Computer Engineering is preferred. Applicants with other undergraduate degrees may enter the program while they complete the Fast Track coursework to allow them to quickly attain the required background knowledge.

Minimum overall undergraduate grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

In recent years, the federal government has emphasized the need for universities and colleges to be in compliance with the distance education laws of each individual state. If you are an out-of-state student intending to enroll in an online program, please visit the State Authorization page to verify the status of UM-Flint with your state.

Applying

To be considered for admission, submit the following to the Office of Graduate Programs, 251 Thompson Library:

Three letters of recommendation from individuals who can evaluate your scholarly and/or professional ability (At least one recommendation must be from an academic reference.) This requirement is waived for UM-Flint students who have received or expect to receive a bachelor's degree.

Statement of Purpose describing your objectives for graduate study and reasons for selecting this program

International students must submit additional documentation. Visit the International Students page for details.

English Proficiency Requirements

If English is not your native language, even if you are currently a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and regardless of how long you have resided or been educated in the U.S.*, you must demonstrate English proficiency by providing evidence through one of the methods:

2. Provide an official transcript showing a degree earned at an accredited U.S. college or university OR a degree earned at a foreign institution where the language of instruction was exclusively English** OR successful completion (‘C’ or higher) of ENG 111 or ENG 112 or its equivalent.

Special Requirement for Citizens of India: Applicants who attended an institution in India where the language of instruction was exclusively English cannot use that method exclusively to meet the English proficiency requirements. Applicants who attended a verified English-medium institution must also submit an approved test score or use one of the other approved methods. Those with a 5.0 IELTS score will be eligible for standard admission and will have no further English proficiency requirement; those with below a 5.0 IELTS score will not be admitted.

*If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident and wish to waive this requirement, you may make your case to the director of the CSIS program. The director, in turn, must make the case to the Dean of Graduate Programs. You must provide sufficient evidence that you have the requisite English proficiency.

**The university reserves the right to require an applicant to provide other evidence of English proficiency if independent sources cannot verify that the language of instruction was exclusively English.

Application Deadlines

For guaranteed consideration, you must apply by the earlier deadline. Only U.S. citizens and Permanent Residents may be considered at the later deadline, and then only if space permits.

*You must apply for admission by the early deadline to be eligible for scholarships, grants, and research assistantships.

TRANSFER OF CREDIT

With approval of the CSIS Graduate Committee, students may transfer in, or elect as a graduate non-candidate for degree (NCFD), up to six credits of graduate-level courses in computer science and information systems.

CHOOSE YOUR CONCENTRATION AND REACH YOUR GOALS

The Master of Science in Computer Science and Information Systems offers multiple concentrations that align with your career goals and areas of interest. The program also offers a Fast Track option for students with little or no computer science education or experience.

AN ADVANCED COMPUTER DEGREE WITH MULTIPLE APPLICATIONS

The MS in Computer Science and Information Systems at UM-Flint prepares you to enter and excel in a career as an administrator, analyst, designer, developer, or programmer leading technology teams. Discover what sets our program and our graduates apart.

FAST TRACK OPTION

Available for students without an undergraduate degree in computer science or a related field, this option typically consists of five courses focused on the core competencies of Networking, Architecture, Algorithms, and Databases. Those who possess an undergraduate degree in a liberal arts or business field may be required to take some additional math and programming courses. All of the Fast Track pre-requisite courses are taught in the cyber-classroom format.

COMPUTER SCIENCE CONCENTRATION

This rigorous program is designed to provide you with in-depth, state-of-the-art knowledge of critical computerrelated technologies. Coursework immerses students inmultiple disciplines of computer science including algorithms, architecture, artificial intelligence, databases, and networking.

INFORMATION SYSTEMS CONCENTRATION

This innovative program offers two tracks: Business Information Systems and Health Information Systems. Choose the track that supports your professional goals and interests to gain specialized training necessary for your career field.

Those pursuing the Business Information Systems track may supplement technology courses with business courses including Accounting, Business Economics, Entrepreneurship, Global Management, and Quantitative Analysis. Those completing the Health Information Systems track maybe complete additional courses in Financial Management, Healthcare Administration and Policy, and Legal Issues to customize your learning experience.

CHOOSE YOUR TRACK

Whichever concentration you select, you then get to choose between a thesis track or non-thesis track. The thesis track requires students to write a research paper and conduct an moral defense in addition to the required coursework. Students completing the non-thesis track complete additional credits in elective graduate-level courses and achieve satisfactory performance on the Master’s level exit examination.

Don't have a CSIS bachelor's degree?

Are you interested in the MS in Computer Science and Information Systems but have a bachelor's degree in a field other than computer science? Check out our Fast Track option under "Why UM-Flint."

Miyako Jones, MS

Hometown: Flint, MI

As a student in the Computer Science program, I became involved with a software development project to aid the Flint Water Crisis during my final semester. This experience eventually led to me becoming the lead web developer on an expanded project that is supported by Google. I have had the opportunity to work with and learn from UX designers and engineers at Google, which has been a very valuable experience for me. I have also had the opportunity to help fix bugs in the Google Maps Web API through the development of the interactive map we use for our project.